Learn to Surf at Potters Point: 3-Day Youth Camp in Brittas Bay, County Wicklow

Read the full experience

Potters Point 3 day camp runs along the wide sweep of Brittas Bay on Ireland’s east coast, a sand-and-dune shoreline in County Wicklow lapped by the Irish Sea. Over three action-packed days this youth surf and paddle program teaches ocean awareness, watercraft skills, rescue basics and hands-on beach safety through focused sessions designed for ages 6–16. On arrival the meeting point is Ballymoney beach car park, a short walk to a broad beach framed by low dune ridges. The beach’s long sandy shelf produces clean, user-friendly beach breaks that make it ideal for first-time surfers and stand-up paddleboarders. The dunes hold marram grass and sculpted wind-formed ridges; at low tide a patchwork of shallow rock pools appears near Potters Point, offering micro-habitats that attract oystercatchers and the occasional seal offshore. Each day runs roughly two hours of guided water time, with small group sizes capped at 16 so coaches can give focused instruction. Expect a rhythm of warm-up on sand, paddle and surf drills, coached waves and practical rescue exercises that introduce rope and towline basics, shore-based spotting and partner rescues. All equipment is provided, but organizers ask participants to bring water, togs and a towel and to meet ten minutes before the scheduled start. What makes this camp stand out is the emphasis on real skills and situational awareness rather than just recreational fun. Coaches concentrate on reading the surf, understanding tides and practicing simple rescue techniques that build competence and confidence in coastal conditions. For families visiting County Wicklow, this program is a chance to learn safe ocean practices in an accessible setting, and to watch kids progress from tentative pops to standing on the shoulder of a wave. Practical details are straightforward: minimum age is six, maximum age is sixteen, group size is 16, and sessions meet at Ballymoney beach car park. The setting is part of a larger stretch of coastline popular with windsurfers and beach-goers; on clear days the Wicklow Hills rise in the distance and the open horizon provides clean light for photography. Safety-minded, skills-focused and rooted in local shoreline knowledge, Potters Point 3 day camp is a dependable introduction to sea sports in Brittas Bay. Whether your child’s goal is to catch a first wave, learn paddleboard balance or gain rescue confidence, this short intensive program delivers instruction, equipment and plenty of coached water time in one of County Wicklow’s most accessible coastal classrooms. Parents can pair the camp with a walk along the dune crest, a picnic in nearby Ballynacarrig, or a short drive to the Wicklow Gap for inland views—making this program a practical, educational and memorable outdoor option for families exploring County Wicklow during spring and summer and autumn.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

moderate.

Duration

2 hrs per day over 3 days.

Fitness level

Moderate fitness; participants should be comfortable in the water and able to paddle and swim short distances.

Frequently asked questions

What ages can attend the camp?

The camp accepts participants aged 6 to 16.

Is equipment provided?

Yes — all necessary boards, safety gear and buoyancy aids are provided by the organizers.

Where and when do we meet?

Meet ten minutes before your session at Ballymoney beach car park; instructors will lead the group to the lesson area.

Do children need to be strong swimmers?

Participants should be comfortable in the sea and able to swim short distances; instructors focus on safety and gradual progression.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation terms vary by booking; check the FareHarbor booking page linked on the reservation for current policy details.

Can parents watch the sessions?

Yes — parents can observe from the shore, though coaching areas require a clear space for safety and instruction.

Local insights

Wildlife

Seals (occasionally offshore)
Oystercatchers and other shorebirds

History

Brittas Bay has long been a local seaside destination in County Wicklow, popular for day trips and coastal recreation.

Conservation

Respect dune vegetation and marked paths; avoid trampling marram grass and pack out all waste to help preserve the shoreline.

About Brittas Bay Surf School

Brittas Bay Surf School is a surf and paddle school based at Magheramore in County Wicklow. The school offers a range of guided experiences including group and private surf lessons, multi-day kids surf camps, tidal stand-up paddleboarding tours and coastal paddleboard tours. Lessons and camps are led by experienced instructors; the Group Surf Lesson listing specifies ISA certified instructors. Many programs include full equipment provision such as wetsuits, life jackets and boards, and sessions emphasize water safety, ocean awareness and basic beach lifeguard skills. Camps are offered in multiple formats and lengths to suit families and young learners, including one-day, two-day, three-day, four-day and five-day options, plus a Prospect Park Ballymoney three-day camp focused on ocean awareness and watercraft skills. Camp programs combine surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and beach games to build confidence and practical water skills for children. On-water experiences for adults and confident paddlers include the Wicklow Harbour Tidal SUP — a tidal paddle along the Vartry River with opportunities to spot local seal life — and a two-hour Coastal Tour along the Wicklow coastline. Private surf lessons provide tailored instruction and detailed feedback for individuals, families or small groups. All bookings take place at the Magheramore base in County Wicklow. The business presents itself as a local provider of surf instruction and paddle experiences with an emphasis on safety, equipment provision and progressive learning. Sessions include two-hour group lessons, two-hour coastal tours and longer multi-day camp formats, accommodating beginner through intermediate ability levels and families on local beaches.

Base locationBrittas Bay, County Wicklow

Tours offered10+

Specialty

Adventure tips

Check tide times before you arriveTide stage affects wave shape and the extent of exposed rock pools; lower tides reveal friendly sandbars but also nearby rocks.

Bring water and quick snacksSessions are active and on the sand; hydration and a small snack help sustain energy between drills.

Use sun protection even on overcast daysSun reflects off wet sand and water—apply reef-safe sunscreen and wear a hat between sessions.

Arrive early for parking and kit-upMeet 10 minutes before start at Ballymoney beach car park to ensure a prompt briefing and warm-up.

Recommended gear

Swimwear and towel: Quick-drying togs and a towel are required for changing between sessions.
Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated between drills is important for focus and safety.
Sunscreen and sun hat: Protects skin during prolonged exposure on the open beach and reflective water surface.
Warm change of clothes / windproof layer: Temperatures and wind can drop after coming out of the water, so a warm layer helps recovery.